Supercars confirms Tim Edwards appointment

Supercars has confirmed departing Tickford boss Tim Edwards will become the category’s General Manager of Motorsport in 2024.

It confirms AUTO ACTION’s reports and speculations since Edwards confirmed his departure from Tickford. It has been a subject of conversation on the AUTO ACTION RevLimiter podcast.

He replaces the departing Adrian Burgess, who will no longer be the Head of Motorsport and is rumoured to go to Team 18.

Despite the soft denials, Tim (from Thomastown) will begin his new role in January 2024, ahead of the Bathurst season opener in February.

This weekend’s VAILO Adelaide 500 will be the last time Edwards is wearing Tickford colours having spent the last 19 seasons at the helm of the famous Ford squad since 2005.

Tim Edwards (right) will have a new boss in Supercars CEO Shane Howard (left) as Adrian Burgess’ replacement who could also have a new one soon. Image: Mark Horsburgh

Over that time he has become one of the most respected figures in pit lane and is looking forward to sitting on the other side of the fence.

“Joining Supercars is a fantastic opportunity which I am delighted and privileged to accept,” Edwards said.

“Virtually my entire adult life has been spent in motorsport, I’ve had the fortune to work and compete with some of the best organisations and at the greatest events and championships there are, and to step into this role with Supercars is very exciting both for me and my family.

“After 35 years working in what we call ‘team land,’ I look forward to doing my part from the category side to help us put on the best championship we possibly can.”

Edwards’ motorsport career began in 1988 as a mechanic for Alan Docking Racing’s Mazdaspeed team which finished 15th in the 56th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

He stayed in sports car racing for another three years before he entered the Formula 1 world.

The Aussie joined much-loved underdog Jordan in 1991 starting as a mechanic before rising all the way to the role of team manager.

Trudy and Tim Edwards during their Jordan days at the 1997 Japanese Grand Prix.

In 1997 he was promoted to chief mechanic and was in charge of preparing the cars when it scored its maiden win at Belgium in 1998.

By 2001 Edwards was the team manager and oversaw the infamous Brazil 2003 success for Giancarlo Fisichella.

But in late 2004 he returned home to Australia and joined Tickford, then known as Ford Performance Racing as Motorsport Director in 2005.

In a short space of time he turned the team from a winless operation to a championship challenger.

The biggest highlights of his time in charge of the Ford powerhouse were the Great Race glories of 2013 and 2014, plus Mark Winterbottom’s dominant championship success in 2015.

With such a storied and diverse track record around the world, Supercars CEO Shane Howard believes Edwards will be a massive asset to the category.

Tim Edwards congratulates Chaz Mostert during their 2: Daniel Kalisz/LAT Photographic

“We are thrilled to have someone of Tim’s calibre join Supercars as our new General Manager of Motorsport from next year,” Howard said.

“In such a highly competitive and technical championship, Tim’s extensive experience, leadership qualities, and success both in Supercars and abroad make him an excellent fit for the role.

“We believe his strategic vision and passion for the sport will be of tremendous value as we continue to drive Supercars upward in the years to come.”

“We extend our sincere thanks to Adrian for his dedicated service over the past five years, and welcome Tim to lead our motorsport program into the 2024 Supercars Championship season.”

Cam Waters and Tim Edwards celebrating pole position on Sunday in Townsville.

Previously Edwards has claimed he and wife Trudy will enjoy a break from Supercars by going on a lap of Australia, but that will have to wait as he starts a new chapter with the category in 2024.

Before then, Tickford hopes to send him off in style at this weekend’s VAILO Adelaide 500.

Photo by Dirk Klynsmith / LAT Images

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On this week’s Auto Action RevLimiter, we ramble on about Supercars. Why the finances don’t need a boost! What’s wrong with the calendar! Plus more!